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Desert Aire SA Series Installation And Operation Manual

Energy recovery natatorium dehumidifiers
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• Select Aire (SA) systems
are dual refrigeration
circuit dehumidifiers.
• Systems remove between
55 and 340 pounds of
moisture per hour.
• Refrigeration circuits
consist of scroll
compressors for high
performance and long life.
• Models feature 8-row
evaporator coils for high
moisture removal capacity.
• SA systems include an
exclusive exhaust air heat
recovery system and
patented air flow
balancing.
• SA's dual refrigeration
circuit design allows
staging to minimize
energy consumption and
optimize energy recovery.
Installation and Operation Manual

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  • Page 1 Installation and Operation Manual • Select Aire (SA) systems are dual refrigeration circuit dehumidifiers. • Systems remove between 55 and 340 pounds of moisture per hour. • Refrigeration circuits consist of scroll compressors for high performance and long life. • Models feature 8-row evaporator coils for high moisture removal capacity.
  • Page 3 TERMS Desert Aire warrants all components (except as noted) for a period of two (2) years from the date of shipment. This warranty shall be limited to the supply of new or rebuilt parts for the part which has failed because of defects in workmanship or material, and does not include the cost for labor, transportation or other costs not herein provided for.
  • Page 4 PH: (262) 946-7400 • FAX: (262) 946-7401 • E-MAIL: service@desert-aire.com Additional copies of this manual can be purchased for a nominal fee from Desert Aire. Desert Aire also posts the most current revision of our I/O Manuals on our website. For a digital copy of the I/O Manual for your unit revision, please submit request to the contact information listed above.
  • Page 5 Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. Caution used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in property damage. Product Warning for the State of California: Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 6 Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    2.10.1.4 Heater Alignment ..............2.10.1.5 Outdoor Units: B-Vent Support Set-up Instructions ....2.10.1.6 Indoor Unit Set-up Instructions ..........2.10.1.7 Finalize Installation ..............2.10.2 Gas Heater Start-up .................. 2.11 Auxiliary Pool Water Heating .................. 2.12 Smoke Alarm Interlock .................... Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 8 Controller Set Points ................. System Operating Modes ..................Component Replacement, Charge, Evacuation, & Leak Instructions ..... System Rating Plate ....................Start-Up Supervision Supplemental Information ............ System Start-Up Report ..................Start-Up Report ...................... Compressor Replacement Form ................Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Read these instructions carefully before you install the dehumidifier. Inspection Desert Aire inspects and tests each dehumidifier before it leaves the factory so that you receive a quality piece of equipment. Unfortunately, equipment may become damaged in transit. Inspect the dehumidifier carefully before signing the receiving papers.
  • Page 10 Figure 1 - Typical Rigging for the SA Dehumidifier Do not tip the dehumidifier on it’s side. Avoid dropping the unit down stairways or subjecting it to severe mechanical shock. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 11: Installation

    45°F. If you must install the dehumidifier outside or in an unconditioned space, you must use an outdoor rated dehumidifier. Desert Aire equips outdoor-rated units with weatherproofing and thicker insulation. You can determine if your unit is outdoor-rated by inspecting the unit rating plate.
  • Page 12 FLEXIBLE NEOPRENE AS POSSIBLE IN ROOM. DUCT CONNECTOR TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY CONTROLS MECHANICAL EXHAUST WITH BACK-DRAFT DAMPER (WALL OR ROOF MOUNTED) NOTE: CAPACITY SHOULD NOT EXCEED INTAKE VOLUME. Figure 3 - Basic Pool Room Layout Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 13 • Direct the supply air toward skylights, exterior walls and windows, and spectator areas. Since air movement will increase the evaporation rate of the pool, direct the supply air grilles away from its surface. Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 14 Select grilles and diffusers for low static pressure loss and proper throw and CFM rating. • Keep the noise criteria levels of the grilles between 35 and 45 dB. • Use anodized aluminum grilles to prevent premature corrosion. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 15: Outdoor Air And Exhaust Air (When Equipped)

    2.2 Outdoor Air and Exhaust Air (When Equipped) Desert Aire SelectAire™ dehumidifiers may be equipped with an opening which will draw outdoor air into the conditioned space. This will help you to comply with ASHRAE Standard 62, which requires the introduction of outdoor air into commercial buildings.

  • Page 16: Units With Outdoor Air Only

    During the winter months, this moisture can freeze and cause serious damage to the equipment. Desert Aire dehumidifiers are equipped with an internal temperature sensor which will close the outdoor air damper if it senses freezing temperatures inside the unit.
  • Page 17 Filter option has a module which contains filters and a factory-installed damper and actuator. This module has an outdoor air intake protected by a weather hood. The unit controller will energize a set of dry contacts during occupied times. Use these dry Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 18: Units With Exhaust Air Energy Recovery

    Install the outlet grille in a location where this fog will not damage the building or create a safety hazard. Figure 9 shows typical ducting for an indoor SelectAire™ unit configured for Exhaust Air Energy Recovery. Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 19 The module ordered for an outdoor unit discharges the exhaust air to the atmosphere and draws in outdoor air. Both air streams are protected by a weather hood. Figure 10 - Outdoor Dehumidifier Showing Outdoor Air and Exhaust Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 20: Condensate Drain Piping

    PVC stub which penetrates the base rail of the unit. Figure 11 - SA Standard Condenser Drain Location An SA series dehumidifier ordered for roof curb mounting has its drain connection on the underside of the unit to help prevent freezing. This drain has a 1-1/2” MPT fitting.

  • Page 21: Pool Water Piping

    2.4 Pool Water Piping The Desert Aire dehumidifier may be equipped with an optional pool water heating condenser. Use copper or schedule 80 CPVC pipe and fittings to adapt to the water circuit of the dehumidifier. See Figure 14 for recommended pool water piping. Note that this figure is intended to be a general guide only, and may not match your installation exactly.
  • Page 22 Filter Rack Assembly with Filters Filter Assembly Return Air Main Pool Pump Vibration Isolators Water Temp Sensor (Dry Well) P-Trap Water Inlet Base (If Required) Water Outlet Figure 14 - Typical Pool Water Piping Diagram Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 23: Auxiliary Heat Coil Piping

    Figure 15 - Standard Unit Water Flow Rates (for Units Equipped with this Option) 2.5 Auxiliary Heat Coil Piping The Desert Aire dehumidifier may be equipped with an optional hot water or steam air heating coil. This coil, when properly sized, will provide space heating during the winter months.

  • Page 24: Remote Condenser (Optional)

    Desert Aire SA series dehumidifiers are pre-charged with enough refrigerant to fill the Remote Condenser and up to 50 feet of refrigerant lines. No additional charge is required unless your line set is longer than 50 feet.

  • Page 25: Controls And Sensors

    Controls and Sensors The standard Desert Aire SA series dehumidifiers are controlled by a microprocessor controller. This controller monitors conditions such as room humidity and temperatures and controls the dehumidifier accordingly. A separate controls manual has been provided. Refer to this separate manual for controller and sensor specifications, operation, and options.

  • Page 26: Water Temperature Sensor

    Install at least 5 ft. downstream of all heaters and not in the “line of sight” of the heater elements as the radiant heat produced by the heater may affect the reading. 2.8.2 Water Temperature Sensor Desert Aire dehumidifiers ordered with the pool water heating option are supplied with a water temperature sensor and an aqua stat well. •...

  • Page 27: Outdoor Static Sensor

    24 inches from a wall or Air Handling Unit. Do not mount under awnings or other projections within fifteen feet. Do not mount near economizers, intakes or exhaust fans, or barometric dampers. Do not mount within 10’ of building corners or parapet walls. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 28: Installation Of Optional Voc Monitoring Sensor

    2.8.4 Installation of Optional VOC Monitoring Sensor Desert Aire offers an optional VOC monitoring sensor that can trigger a greater flow rate of outdoor air when indoor contaminants reach a user determined concentration. This sensor can be mounted in a space that represents the typical breathing zone for occupants.

  • Page 29: Auxiliary Heating Control Wiring

    2.9 Auxiliary Heating Control Wiring Note: You must use the Desert Aire control system to control or interlock with the room heating system. This prevents wide fluctuations in room air temperature. It also prevents the heater from trying to heat the room while the dehumidifier is running in cooling.

  • Page 30: Auxiliary Heating - Proportional Signal

    VAC input and the “negative” signal input. You must follow the instructions included with the valve cut sheet. Observe the proper polarity, or you may damage both the valve and the Desert Aire controller. See the unit wiring schematics for information on signal wire connection points.

  • Page 31: Gas Heater Installation

    2.10.1.1 Gas Heater Installation with Roofcurb If the system was ordered with a roofcurb from Desert Aire, the curb will have provisions for mounting the unit and heater in specific locations. Place the main unit first. Verify proper placement of the unit before setting the heater. Set the heater per the General Arrangement drawing.

  • Page 32: Heater Alignment

    (see Figure 22). Orient the tip of the tube such that the opening points towards the fan blast area. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 33: Outdoor Units: B-Vent Support Set-Up Instructions

    Power Driver #14 Self-Drilling Screws (12) 3/8” Driver Bit Screw Tip Covers (12) Locking Pliers (Vise-Grip) 1/4”-20 x 5/8” Bolt (2) Work Gloves 1/4”-20 Nut (2) 1/4” Washers (4) Figure 23 - Gas Heater B-Vent Support Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 34 Install the angle such that the flange is oriented towards the heater using the screw from Step 2. Tighten the screw such that the angle is held snugly but can still be rotated. Figure 25 - B-Vent flange Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 35 Figure 26 - B-Vent second angle flange Using locking pliers, bend the two angles at their flanges such that they meet up and overlap. Once in position, use the locking pliers to hold angles together. Figure 27 - B-Vent flanges together Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 36: Indoor Unit Set-Up Instructions

    “ON” (not “TEST”). Allow the unit to reach steady state. Use a flue gas analyzer in the flue gas duct and document O (%), CO (ppm), Efficiency (%), CO (%), and gas temperature. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 37: Auxiliary Pool Water Heating

    Desert Aire dehumidifiers ordered with the water heating option are provided with a set of dry contacts for controlling an auxiliary pool water heater. The dehumidifier will be the primary source of water heating. If it cannot keep up with the demand for pool heat, the Desert Aire controller will then energize the auxiliary water heater.
  • Page 38 Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 39: Start-Up Procedures

    24 hours before refrigeration system is allowed to operate. Preliminary Inspection Verify that all contractors have completed their work. Find the Desert Aire “SA Start-Up Report”, which is located near the back of this manual. You must fill out the start-up report to validate the dehumidifier warranty.

  • Page 40: Airflow Balancing

    To ensure code compliance and long equipment service life, proper airflow must be verified by a qualified air balancer. Before you balance the airflow, locate the motor control switches located in the electrical compartment of the dehumidifier. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 41: Airflow Setup Of Selectaire™ Without Integral Exhaust Fan

    Use the Low Voltage wiring diagram(s) to identify compressor knife switches. 3.2.1 Airflow Setup of SelectAire™ without Integral Exhaust Fan The total airflow of a Desert Aire SA system can be checked by measuring the static pressure drop across the reheat condensers and the evaporator coils. The dehumidifier features an adjustable blower sheave to simplify air balancing.
  • Page 42 Note that it is important to complete in this order as once Purge is initiated and then released from the override, the post-purge timed sequence that eliminates outdoor air is active. Controller power must be removed to discontinue post-purge timer early. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 43: Airflow Setup Of Selectaire™ With Integral Exhaust Fan

    The Desert Aire SA unit with exhaust fan contains operational controls that assist in maintaining the poolroom envelope at a negative static pressure. Proper setup allows these controls to operate as intended; however, these are not safety controls.
  • Page 44 Desert Aire SelectAire™ units can be equipped with several different types of outdoor air and exhaust air modes of operation. A unit may be equipped with one or more of these modes of operation.
  • Page 45 Note the OA damper position. Ensure this damper is not commanded to the minimum or maximum position. If this is the case, review to ensure the damper is physically moving and review the static pressure in the OA duct if this is an indoor unit. Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 46 CFM in the MAX EXH. FLOW RATE screen be increased for that mode of operation. Review the actual zone static pressure through the use of independent measurement device Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 47: Final Air Balancing

    Evaporator Settings and Cool Exhaust Airflow There may be additional display screens for the evaporator and cool exhaust airflow. The values are present from the factory and optimized. No adjustment is required unless instructed by Desert Aire Service. 3.2.3 Final Air Balancing Once the supply air and exhaust air setup have occurred, the unit will automatically adjust the damper positions and drive speed in each mode of operation.
  • Page 48 (typically the 99th percentile heating capacity). At many times of the year the heater is essentially oversized. Depending on the location of the supply ducts and diffuser configurations, the variations may create drafts within Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 49 The PID loop will modulate to maintain the zone at the 83°F temperature. Should the analog signal for heat decrease to less than 5%, the binary contact will open. In addition, Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 50 During the night-time hours when the unit is unoccupied and ambient starts to cool, the unit will be in cooling mode less frequently and more frequently in dehumidification. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 51: Refrigeration Testing

    Some Desert Aire systems are shipped in sections to allow for installation of some of the sections in a location much different than another. An example is a unit with a remote condenser ready circuit. The dehumidifier may be installed indoors near the conditioned space while the remote condenser used to reject waste heat is located outdoors.
  • Page 52 Special care must be taken to ensure that the system is returned to service without contamination. Whenever servicing Desert Aire equipment, observe the following: • Use only equipment rated for the pressures of the refrigerant being serviced.

  • Page 53: General Testing

    It must be set in the “0-10 VDC” position. 3.5 Routine Maintenance Schedule 3.5.1 Service Every Month • Check and replace the air filters in the return duct and the outdoor air duct. • Check for dirty coils in the dehumidifier. Clean them if necessary. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 54: Service Every Six Months

    NOTE: please have the following information available if you need to call the Desert Aire Service Department: • Model Number • Serial Number • Room Temperature • Relative Humidity • Operating Refrigeration Pressures • Water Temperature • Compressor Amperages • Blower Motor Amperage(s) Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 55: Troubleshooting

    4. Troubleshooting Although Desert Aire dehumidifiers have been designed for reliable and trouble-free operation, you may occasionally encounter a service-related problem. If you cannot immediately diagnose a fix to the problems, do not be intimidated by the apparent complexity of the dehumidifier. Your common sense and experience can help you solve the majority of these problems.

  • Page 56: High Pressure Alarms/Readings Above 575 Psig

    If the valve is shifting normally, the active condenser outlet will heat up rapidly. • Check for air or other non-condensables in the refrigeration circuit. Desert Aire installs purge ports in the highest point of each condenser’s discharge line. To purge these gases from the system, temporarily run the compressor while you energize the selected condenser.

  • Page 57: Low Pressure Alarms/Evaporator Coil Icing

    “off cycle”, causing the receiver to lose its liquid seal. 4.5 The Pool Water Is Too Cold This section applies to Desert Aire dehumidifiers with the pool water heating option. If the pool water requires heating, the standard controller will command the dehumidifier to heat the water. If the dehumidifier cannot heat the pool, due to inadequate water flow or no demand for dehumidification, the water temperature will drop slightly.
  • Page 58 Check that all service valves and solenoid valves in the liquid line are energized or fully open. • Verify that there are no restrictions or debris in the liquid line solenoid, the filter/drier, the expansion valve, or the distributor. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 59: Appendix

    You must clean the system thoroughly to prevent repeated compressor burnouts. 5.1.1 Compressor Replacement Desert Aire dehumidifiers are designed with scroll compressors. Scroll compressors are known for operating more reliably than other compressors in air conditioning and dehumidification applications due to their ability to cope with occasional periods of liquid refrigerant return. There are fewer moving parts in a scroll compressor subject to wear compared to alternative compressor designs.
  • Page 60 Install ball valves on either side of the suction filter to facilitate these changes. Note that larger Desert Aire systems will have suction filter shells installed from the factory. The shell can be used with charcoal activated cores. Note that a “safety screen” may be required with some manufacturer’s cores to prevent small pieces of the core from dislodging and finding their...
  • Page 61 Particulate Indicated • Install a replaceable core liquid line filter shell. Note that larger Desert Aire systems will have replaceable core liquid line filter shells installed from the factory. The pressure drop levels will be monitored and several core changes may be required. Install ball valves on either side of the filter shell to facilitate these changes.

  • Page 62: Recommended Duct Design

    Undersized or restrictive ducts reduce the system airflow, which can cause premature compressor failure. Use the following diagrams as a guide when you design the duct system. Figure 35 - Recommended Duct Designs for Desert Aire Dehumidifiers Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 63: Pool Water Chemistry

    5.5 System Operating Modes The standard sequence of operation of a Desert Aire dehumidifier is relatively simple to understand. Note that the sequence may vary depending on which condenser options have been purchased and installed. The compressor is designed to start on a call for dehumidification. As the refrigerant flows through the evaporator, it absorbs a great deal of heat from the airstream.

  • Page 64: Component Replacement, Charge, Evacuation, & Leak Instructions

    Desert Aire dehumidifiers have different receiver sizes depending on the model and size. Condenser sizes and configurations may also vary. In general, larger receivers will come equipped with isolation valves that will allow for a portion of the charge to be contained in the receiver during servicing.
  • Page 65 Evacuation • Carefully inspect pump and related equipment before connecting to system. Ensuring gaskets are in good condition and pump is capable of low vacuum levels can save time. Connect pump(s) to Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 66 It is anticipated that the system was clean and tight from the original process and refrigerant only is mixed with oil. Alternate process should not be considered if there is chance of free water entering the system or the system was open for any significant time. Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 67 Test component replaced and function of the system. Many times a separate component in the system may have set a condition that causes the failure of another. Thoroughly test systems to ensure repeat failures do not occur. Desert Aire - SA Manual...

  • Page 68: System Rating Plate

    Figure 36 - Typical SA Dehumidifier Rating Plate 5.8 Start-Up Supervision Supplemental Information A Desert Aire factory start-up is an option which is normally purchased with the equipment. A factory start-up includes several key services: • The expertise of an accomplished, factory-trained mechanic who will supervise the commissioning of the equipment.
  • Page 69 CST Start-Up is performed by a local Certified Service Technician who has been trained by Desert Aire. The CST performs all duties listed above. In addition they will supply the “items to be supplied for start-up” as listed below.
  • Page 70 Desert Aire for re-scheduling. A two week minimum is needed to schedule start-up. Once the form is completed please fax or email both pages to the Desert Aire service department. Fax (262) 946-7400 Email: service@desert-aire.com...

  • Page 71: System Start-Up Report

    A copy of the system “Start-Up Report” can be found on the following pages. This report needs to be filled out thoroughly by a qualified service technician and returned to Desert Aire for warranty validation. Please ensure that the model and serial number of the unit are noted on this form. The model and serial number can be found on the system’s rating plate located on or near the electrical compartment service...
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  • Page 78: Compressor Replacement Form

    (3 phase units)      Runs without pumping: Pressures:  _____  / _____  Other (describe):   Continuity (0 resistance) to Ground on one or more legs    Compressor drawing higher current than design    Continuity (0 resistance) between two or more legs     Compressor drawing locked rotor current    (3 phase units)      Runs without pumping: Pressures:  _____  / _____  Other (describe):   Final Determination of Failure Liquid Floodback    Low Superheat Debris Defective Expansion Valve Low Sump Oil Insufficient Motor Cooling Other (Describe): Diagnostic/Corrective Action Summary Describe what corrective action was taken to prevent a repeat failure.  _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 79 PSIG  PSIG (At access fitting nearest TXV)  Suction Pressure  PSIG PSIG PSIG  PSIG (At compressor)  Liquid Line Temperature  °F °F °F  °F (At access fitting nearest TXV)  Suction Temperature  °F °F °F  °F (At Compressor)  Refrigerant Sight Glass Condition             (Clear, Intermittent Vapor, Flashing) Comp. Oil Level Sight Glass  ½       ¾       F  ½       ¾       F  ½       ¾       F  ½       ¾       F  (Shut down comps., wait 5 minutes)    Desert Aire - SA Manual...
  • Page 80 PTIMIZING OLUTIONS HROUGH UPERIOR EHUMIDIFICATION ECHNOLOGY N120 W18485 Freistadt Road • Germantown, WI 53022 • E-mail: info@desert-aire.com Ph: (262) 946-7400 • Fax: (262) 946-7401 • Website: www.desert-aire.com 032 2018/12...

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